• Source:JND
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Pahalgam Terror Attack: Two Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) aides, arrested for harbouring Pakistani terrorists linked to the brutal Pahalgam attack in April, have been sent to 10-day NIA remand till July 16. The accused brothers Parvaiz Ahmad Jothar and Bashir Ahmad Jothar were produced before a special NIA court in Jammu on Monday after their earlier remand expired. The extension will allow the agency to further probe their role in the deadly attack.

The duo was arrested on June 22 in what officials described as a significant development in the investigation into the April 22 terror strike, which claimed 26 lives and injured 16 others, mostly tourists.

According to the National Investigation Agency (NIA), both Parvaiz and Bashir not only confirmed that the three terrorists involved were Pakistani nationals but also identified them as operatives of the proscribed terror group Lashkar-e-Taiba.

The agency alleges that the brothers had provided food and shelter to the armed terrorists at a seasonal hut locally known as a 'dhok' in Hill Park, Pahalgam, just 3 kilometres from the attack site in Baisaran valley.

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While investigators have yet to determine whether the duo had prior knowledge of the impending attack, the NIA maintains that the brothers "knowingly harboured the terrorists."

One of the attackers, identified as Suleman, is believed to be a highly trained operative. He was recognised by families of the victims. The other two terrorists are reportedly linked to new militant outfits and are not found in the existing security databases.

Parvaiz and Bashir have been charged under Section 19 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967. The investigation remains active as agencies attempt to unravel the broader network behind the strike.

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Authorities also said the terrorists selectively targeted victims based on their religious identity, a detail that has sparked further outrage across the country. The Pahalgam attack, one of the deadliest in recent years, drew strong condemnation both domestically and internationally.

In response, India launched “Operation Sindoor,” a focused mission aimed at eliminating cross-border terrorism and targeting those involved in orchestrating the attack.